UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: April 10

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LOCAL & ORGANIZING UPDATES

Local 5118 & HAW-UAW: Join Practice Pickets for a Fair Contract Now!
Monday, April 13 | 11 AM - 1 PM | Cambridge, MA

Join the Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU) and Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) for a practice picket as both unions escalate their fights for fair contracts.

After more than a year at the bargaining table with little to show for it, a strike is a real possibility—HAW's strike authorization vote opened on March 27, and HGSU's strike authorization overwhelmingly passed on March 31 with over 95% in favor and nearly 80% membership participation.

Follow @hgsuuaw and @haworkers for the latest news on both contract campaigns, and join them for a joint practice picket on Monday!

Local 2325: Join CAMBA IT Workers on Strike for Sunday Picket
Sunday, April 12 | 8:50 AM | Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY

After New York City service provider CAMBA, Inc., announced plans to eliminate its entire IT department—including workers who have been on strike for months—Local 2325 members are picketing a fundraiser for the organization happening this Sunday.

UAW members stand in solidarity with CAMBA workers against this blatant retaliation against their organizing for dignity, fair pay, and a voice on the job. Read more about the CAMBA IT workers’ fight in The City, follow @cambaitworkersunion on Instagram for the latest updates, and consider donating to the workers’ hardship fund.

CFU-UAW: NYU Contract Faculty Vote to Ratify Contract with 98%

NYU Contract Faculty United members voted 756 to 13 to ratify their first contract this week, with 98% voting yes and 81% of members participating. After a powerful two-day strike in March with hundreds on the picket line, the bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement that members then voted on.

Contract highlights include wins on salaries, benefits, job security, academic freedom, family leave, anti-discrimination protections, and more:

• Won at least a $14,000 raise by fall 2026 for all members.
• Secured neutral arbitration for non-reappointment and non-promotion grievances.
• Created a $1 million family care fund to cover the cost of child care.
• Started a $200,000 annual fund to assist members with immigration-related legal costs.
• Protected existing medical, dental, and vision benefits.

CFU-UAW is holding a post-ratification town hall on Friday, April 17, to continue building a strong, member-led union now under its first contract. Congratulations to CFU!

More Upcoming Local Union Events in Region 9A

• Local 2322: Pride Screening featuring T4Transhealth and RAPMU
  Friday, April 10 | 5:30 PM | Amherst, MA
  Join workers and activists at the UMass Stonewall Center to watch Pride (2014), a heartwarming movie about building solidarity between queer and labor activists. After the movie, join us alongside speakers from the T4Transhealth Union and the UMass Amherst Resident Assistant/Peer Mentor Union to discuss their labor fights.
• Local 5118: Harvard Graduate Students Union Community Lunch
  Saturday, April 11 | 1 - 3 PM | Fenway Community Center, Boston, MA
  All are welcome to join HGSU-UAW members for a free taco lunch as we prepare for the possibility of a strike. We will be accepting cash donations and donations of diapers and wipes to go to HGSU parents.
• Local 7650: UMaine Grad Workers Union Cafe
  Thursday, April 23 | 10 AM - 2 PM | Memorial Union Room, Orono, ME
  Enjoy coffee and snacks, and learn about mutual aid and grad workers’ rights!

COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (CAP)

Union Now Rally in NYC with Bernie Sanders, Sara Nelson, & Zohran Mamdani
Sunday, April 12 | 2 - 3:30 PM | Terminal 5, New York, NY

Senator Bernie Sanders, AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson, and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani will be rallying with union members this Sunday at Terminal 5 in NYC—featuring one of our own UAW members speaking about our recent strikes.

Sign up to join fellow UAW members there and wear your UAW gear!

UAW Canvass Launch for Claire Valdez for Congress
Sunday, April 19 | 12 - 3 PM | New York, NY

Save the date and sign up to join fellow UAW members to canvass for our very own Claire Valdez for Congress! Claire, a former shop chair in UAW Local 2110, is running to represent New York’s 7th Congressional District spanning North Brooklyn and Western Queens.

Following endorsements from the UAW and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Sen. Bernie Sanders also announced his endorsement of Claire this week. “Claire Valdez is a union organizer who worked minimum-wage fast food jobs and understands firsthand how this economy fails working people,” he said. “In my view, Congress needs more voices who come from America’s working class.”

In the meantime, Labor for Claire is also hosting a canvass launch on Saturday, April 11—sign up to join fellow union members to knock doors in Greenpoint!

Save Our State Rally Against Tax Cuts for the Rich in Massachusetts
Monday, April 13 | 11 AM - 1 PM | Boston, New Bedford, & Springfield, MA

The Massachusetts High Tech Council is working with the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership to put two ballot questions on the 2026 ballot that would cut taxes for the ultra-rich at the expense of working people and the essential programs we rely on. Join Raise Up Massachusetts, union members, and community allies at health care institutions across the state on Monday, April 13, to demand that they leave the MHTC AND MACP in protest of these reckless and extortionist ballot questions. Mass General Brigham, Baystate Health, and Bank of America need to choose Massachusetts over MAGA tech bros.

UAW Testifies Alongside Amazon Teamsters in Support of NYC's Delivery Protection Act

New York City union members joined Amazon Teamsters for a rally at City Hall yesterday in support of the Delivery Protection Act, landmark legislation that seeks to end Amazon's exploitation of subcontracted delivery drivers across the five boroughs.

Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys (UAW Local 2325) member Richard Blum later testified before the NYC City Council in support of the act. UAW members stand with our Amazon Teamsters union siblings!

Tell Gov. Lamont to Protect Connecticut Workers from AI Exploitation

Big tech CEOs are telling lawmakers that Connecticut must move fast on Artificial Intelligence (AI). They argue that innovation cannot be slowed down and that worker protections can come later—but workers are the ones who will live with the consequences.

AI is already being used to monitor workers, make hiring and firing decisions, discipline employees, and automate jobs. Without clear rules, companies can increase workplace surveillance, eliminate positions, and allow algorithms to make decisions about workers' livelihoods with little transparency or human oversight.

Take two minutes to write Governor Lamont and say that Connecticut workers deserve to know that AI will not be used to undermine their jobs, their privacy, or their rights at work. The Connecticut AFL-CIO’s proposal, Senate Bill 435, would establish basic protections to make sure AI systems cannot discriminate against workers, that high-risk decisions affecting workers are subject to human review, and that the use of AI in public sector workplaces is a mandatory subject of collective bargaining.

FROM REGION 9A

ICYMI: Brandon Mancilla Highlights Powerful Contract Campaigns Across Our Region

UAW members across our region have been standing up in 2026. Workers walked picket lines from Bath Iron Works in Maine to NYU. Our members at UConn and Foxwoods brought their power to the bargaining table to win strong agreements. And all this time, our siblings at CAMBA in New York City remain on strike fighting for their jobs against outsourcing.

One way we build power is by preparing to strike—which is why we say the best way to avoid a strike is to be ready for one. Our contract campaigns depend on the membership’s unity and solidarity. But they also require a plan based on taking escalating action together. This only works when we end blackout bargaining and communicate directly with the membership.

Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla highlighted recent and ongoing fights across our region.

Join UAW Members for May Day 2026, Getting Ready for May Day 2028

May Day is our day! Join UAW members across Region 9A and tens of thousands of other workers as we come together on International Workers' Day on May 1.

Here are some of the events UAW members are organizing and participating in across Region 9A, to be 

• Hartford & New Haven, CT
• New York City, NY
• Jay (near Augusta), ME
• Boston, MA (more info to come)

In the meantime, you can learn about the history of May Day, and read more from UAW President Shawn Fain about our union's plans for May Day 2028.

Region 9A Releases Guides for New Leaders and New Locals

In recent years, the UAW has once again become a fighting, democratic union that puts the membership first. After the stunning Stand Up Strike of 2023 against the Big Three, our members in auto won record contracts—but we did not stop there. Since then, members in IPS, Aerospace, General Dynamics, Heavy Truck, and Higher Education have all made incredible advancements in their contract fights. UAW local leaders are stepping up at a critical time in our union and region’s proud history.  

Region 9A has published two guides—Strong Leaders Building Strong Locals and Building a New Local Union—that aim to gather critical resources that every local leader should be aware of, framing the strongest way to build a member-driven local union. We have developed these guides with specific information for both newly chartered locals as well as newly elected leaders, but the information contained is applicable even to long-time executive board members.

Enroll in Labor Studies at CUNY with Fellow UAW Members This Fall
Sign up by May 1 | August 28 - December 1 | New York, NY

For the past few semesters, UAW Region 9A has been partnering with the City University of New York School of Labor & Urban Studies to offer courses. We are excited to offer placement in a variety of labor studies courses this fall, including U.S. Labor History, New Directions in Collective Bargaining, Power & Strategy, and Perspectives in the Labor Movement.

Integrated into the course will be both UAW members and members from other unions and the labor movement. We are offering both undergraduate and graduate versions of the class on different nights for the fall 2026 semester. We ask that only members who want to enroll fill out the form to sign up. Please contact UAW Region 9A Education Rep Alexi Shalom at ashalom@uaw.net with any questions.

Applications for the 2026 Richard 'Dik' Days Scholarship Now Available
Apply by May 8

The Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the availability of the 2026 Richard ‘Dik’ Days Scholarship application. Connecticut graduating high school seniors attending college full-time in the fall and current full-time undergraduate students are eligible to apply. Three $2,000 scholarships will be awarded this year. The application deadline is May 8, 2026.

The Richard ‘Dik’ Days Scholarship Fund is an initiative formed through collaboration between the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Connecticut Chapter, UAW Region 9A and the Days Family. The Richard ‘Dik’ Days Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Richard Adam Days, who was a labor educator for the UAW. Prior to his retirement he was the Education & Civil Rights Director for UAW Region 9A. Read more about Brother Days and learn more about the scholarship on the Region 9A website.

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW

UAW Constitutional Convention Coverage 101
Tuesday, April 14 | 6:30 PM | Online

The UAW Constitutional Convention is the union’s highest governing body, where delegates from local unions gather every four years to make critical decisions, including constitutional amendments and resolutions on workplace and social issues.

This LUCA webinar gives labor communicators an inside look at how to cover the convention as press—reporting accurately, highlighting key decisions, and delivering clear, engaging updates back to members. Participants will learn strategies for capturing the story, from live coverage to post-convention summaries, ensuring that members stay informed and connected to their union’s work.

UAW Higher Education Council Virtual Meeting
May 8-9, 2026 | Elect delegates by April 15 | Online

Last year, over 300 UAW members in the Higher Ed sector gathered in Pico Rivera, California, for the first meeting of the UAW’s Higher Education Council. We discussed our “Kill the Cuts” campaign to protect and increase federal funding for science, and we strategized how to fight back against further attacks on free speech, the rights of workers in all immigration statuses, and job security at our local institutions. While we’ve had many wins in 2025, we know the fight isn’t over.

For 2026, a busy year for our union, we are planning a virtual meeting for the Higher Education Council. This will help minimize costs for local unions and enable more members and prospective members to attend our Higher Education Council meeting. Learn more and register to attend.

Save the Date: 2026 UAW Constitutional Convention
June 15-18 | Detroit, MI | Elect delegates by May 16

The 2026 UAW Constitutional Convention (ConCon) is on June 15-18, 2026, in Detroit! ConCon is at the heart of our democratic processes as a union. It will bring together over 1,000 UAW delegates from across the country to debate and pass resolutions on our priorities for the upcoming years, consider amendments to the UAW Constitution, and nominate candidates for the International Executive Board elections.

Each Local will be apportioned a certain number of delegates to represent you at the Convention. Delegates must be democratically elected. Refer to the UAW Constitution, Local Union Election Guide, and your Local Union Bylaws for full election process requirements. The deadline for delegate elections this year is May 16, 2026.

Apply Now for the 2026 Family Scholarship at Black Lake
July 12-16 | Onaway, MI | Apply by June 1

Since 1970, thousands of UAW members and their families have participated in the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center Scholarship Program—changing their lives and those of their loved ones forever!

Located in scenic Onaway, Michigan, on Black Lake, the Center was envisioned by legendary UAW President Walter Reuther to be a place where UAW members and their families could come together to learn and relax.

Through educational and recreational activities, the Family Scholarship Program provides an opportunity for adults and children to learn and think about how our union empowers us to change our workplaces and communities for ourselves and future generations.

Learn more and apply for the Family Scholarship Program today!

Update Your Membership Records with the International UAW

The International UAW is committed to improving our member records. This effort is led by the UAW Membership Department. Maintaining accurate member records allows the UAW to effectively represent and communicate with active and retired members, provide relevant educational and training opportunities, better allocate resources, deliver targeted support, and facilitate International and local union elections.

Please take a moment to enter your contact information by completing the quick online form available at myinfo.uaw.org. Updating your mailing address now will help ensure that you receive a ballot to vote in the 2026 UAW International Officer Election, as well as other important communications and union updates in a timely manner. Download a flyer to share with your fellow members.

SOLIDARITY REQUESTS

Massachusetts Jobs with Justice Community Aligned Response Essentials (CARE)

The CARE Initiative (Community Aligned Response Essentials) is a statewide, community care and mutual aid effort supporting workplaces, workers, and neighbors across Massachusetts in knowing their rights. CARE supports people in preparing for the possibility of government agents arriving in their workplace or gathering spaces.

CARE centers the essentials that keep our communities aligned: shared preparation, clear information, and mutual support so people feel more confident and less isolated in moments that can be confusing or intimidating—especially in the places where we work, shop, gather, organize, and connect.

Sign up to receive updates on the CARE Initiative as it launches and expands; information about orientations, educational resources, and learning opportunities; and opportunities to get involved as a volunteer, partner organization, or participating workplace.

Connecticut for All New London Area Democracy School
Saturday, April 11 | 1 - 4 PM | New London, CT
Connecticut for All is bringing together labor, students, Indivisible groups, immigrant defense networks and faith communities in the New London area to rise to this moment—moving from analysis of local challenges to disciplined, collective nonviolent action that escalates pressure on the Governor at the state level. Together, we’ll build the unity, skill, and courage to act in coordinated and powerful ways, preparing to confront authoritarianism, challenge inequality, and grow the organized people power needed to pose a credible threat to the status quo and win lasting and meaningful change.

Stand Up Connecticut Day of Action
Wednesday, April 15 (Tax Day) | 10 AM - 3 PM | Hartford, CT
Join us on Tax Day to advocate for Connecticut for All’s Stand Up CT agenda, critical adjustments to the fiscal guardrails and the need to fix Connecticut’s upside down tax system. This is an important escalation moment for our campaign and it’s important that you’re there to ensure we’re effective in pressuring state leaders.

Connecticut AFL-CIO Workers Memorial Day
Tuesday, April 28 | 12 PM | Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT
On April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO will observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job, and to renew the fight for safe jobs. Elevating workplace safety and health issues is more important than ever. At a time of deep division, the desire for a safe and healthy workplace is something that unites people, and is important for our organizing, bargaining and advocacy. This is an urgent moment to hold the line against attacks on worker health and safety. Each day, more than 380 workers are killed and more than 8,600 suffer injury and illness because of dangerous working conditions that are preventable. Join us on April 28 to hold the line for safe jobs!

Western Maine Labor Council May Day 2026 Mural Rededication
Friday, May 1 | 5 - 8 PM | WMLC Local 14 Solidarity Center, Jay, ME
The historic mural on the Local 14 hall has been restored and reinstalled. Join us for a celebration of today and a little history. The fight then is the fight today—people and communities before profit and greed. Sponsored by the Western Maine Labor Council and the WMLC Local 14 Solidarity Center.

2026 CUNY SLU Strategic Corporate Research Summer School
June 21 - 26 | Apply by April 1 | New York, NY
The SCR Summer School is now accepting applications! This school is a great way for union staff, community organizations, social movement organizations, and activists to develop skills for organizing, corporate accountability, and campaign building. To get all the details visit 2026 Strategic Corporate Research Summer School, and apply by April 1.

Maine AFL-CIO Summer Institute 2026
August 5-6 | Orono, ME
We have an exciting program in the works for this year's Labor Summer Institute on August 5-6, 2026 at the University of Maine in Orono! Labor Summer Institute is a two-day event for union members to learn and share skills and information important to building our labor movement. The Summer Institute is held at the University of Maine with the Bureau of Labor Education & Scontras Labor Center. Stay tuned for more details on registration and hotel rates. FMI: Sarah, sarah@maineaflcio.org or 207-356-7322.

Apply to the UCLA Strategic Labor Research Conference
August 7-9 | Los Angeles, CA | Apply by May 15
We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Strategic Labor Research Conference. The application portal will be open until May 15 and accepted applicants will be notified by June 5. Hosted by the UCLA Department of Labor Studies, the UCLA Strategic Labor Research Conference is an annual event that includes over 25 workshops and plenary sessions on applied skills and discussions about strategic campaigns designed for new and experienced labor and allied researchers. Dynamic keynote speakers and a variety of exciting training sessions will help strengthen and add new skills to your research repertoires. Come join labor movement researchers in discussions about the future of research and organizing!

Union Hiring Hall

• New York State Nurses Association | Area Director | New York, NY
• SEIU Committee of Interns & Residents | Worksite Organizer | Providence, RI
• Muslim Advocates | Senior Staff Attorney | New York, NY
• Community Labor United | Senior Researcher | Boston, MA
• Community Labor United | Organizing Director | Boston, MA
• Community Labor United | Development Director | Boston, MA
• NY United for Child Care | Director of Organizing and Campaigns | New York, NY

UPCOMING EVENTS

UAW LUCA Webinar: Constitution Convention Coverage 101
Tuesday, April 14 | 6:30 PM | Virtual

UAW Member Mobilization Institute
April 19-24 | Onaway, MI 

UAW Higher Education Council Virtual Meeting
May 8-9 | Virtual

55th International Convention of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
May 20-24 | Atlanta, GA

39th Constitutional Convention
June 15-18 | Detroit, MI

Family Scholarship at Black Lake
July 12-16 | Onaway, MI

UAW Veterans Conference
August 9-14 | Onaway, MI